Sometimes my kids just need to refocus. With all the ads and ups shipments coming in the mail around Christmas time, it is easy for them to forget what the holiday is all about. These simple gifts for neighbors and a story really helped me turn their attention to what really matters.
We’ve been focusing on giving this Christmas and that is why the Big Book of Character was a perfect story to read before we got started on our simple neighbor gifts. There are so many great stories in this book including; Chipmunk’s Charity, Courage Isn’t Crazy, Humble Before A Tumble, Bad Company, and Kindness Moves the Bear. Each story features character building reflection questions and Bible verses at the end.
Can you guess which one we read? We also made an acorn ornament that went along with it and attached those to our snack bags.
Simple Gifts for Neighbors
One of the most important aspects of this activity was where the gifts came from. First, the ornaments were handmade and the kids spent an hour or so making them. Second, the snacks were purchased with money they had earned for working around the house. That made these gifts very meaningful for the kids. To them, it was quite the investment.
They really had a lot of fun stamping their bags and talking about what they were going to put on them and why. This gave the gifts a personal touch and I’m sure the neighbors will notice because they aren’t exactly picture perfect.
I helped hole punch the bags and tie the ribbon on them with their handmade acorn ornaments.
Maybe the neighbors will think they are as cute as I do! However, the ornaments represent the kids sharing what they have with others.
I explained to the kids before we went out that although our neighbors may not be in need, everyone can use a little charity to help brighten up their day. Also, by putting Jesus loves you on the snack bags, we were sharing God’s word. Most people could use more of that in their lives so the kids were even more excited to hand them out!
Do you give gifts to your neighbors for Christmas?
Need more help getting your kids focused on the true meaning of Christmas?
We have all sorts of fun activities, recipes and family fun that are inspired by a Children’s Christmas book that share the real meaning of Christmas! Make sure to follow along, you can take a look at the schedule over at Inspired by Familia blog.
Here are our fabulous bloggers and their books:
Inspired by Family – the Christmas Cookie
Meaningful Mama – The Crippled Lamb,
Teaching Mama – The Legend of the Candy Cane
Beautiful Messy Motherhood – A Carol for Christmas,
Happy Home Fairy – M is for Manger
Simple home Blessings – Who is Coming to Our House?
The Chaos and the Clutter – I Spy Christmas
Creative Family Fun – The Birds of Bethlehem
Sunshine Whispers!
I absolutely LOVE this!!!! What a wonderful idea!
Thank you!
Teaching kids about charity is aa wonderful idea. You’ve actually presented this blog post to be so helpful in teaching kids Janine
Micheal A recently posted…Federal Polytechnic Idah ND/HND Admission List Is Out – 2016/17
Solid ideas to teach kids about charity at a young age, here.
I think it’s pretty important to expose our children to these ideas while they’re learning and taking in what adults around them do.
Of course, it’s especially important to consider charitable giving in the light of what’s happening with our educational system right now during the pandemic!
Chris@TTL recently posted…Children’s Education Charities and Our August 2020 Budget
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Dear Janine,
Your approach to teaching kids about charity through simple neighbor gifts is heartwarming. The emphasis on handmade ornaments and snacks earned through household chores adds a valuable lesson in meaningful giving. Your creative and thoughtful ideas inspire the true spirit of Christmas.